Veterinary nurse

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship

University

You can do a foundation degree or degree in veterinary nursing. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has a list of accredited courses .

Entry requirements:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology for a degree

College

You can study for a Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing at college.

You'll spend some time in the classroom and periods of training on placement in a veterinary practice.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has a list of approved training organisations offering the course.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

Apprenticeship

You can begin your career by doing a Veterinary Nurse Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

The training takes up to 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

Volunteering

You could get some work experience with a vet, local kennels or animal welfare centre before you start training. You could also try animal charities like the PDSA or RSPCA .

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• customer service skills
• knowledge of animal health
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of biology
• the ability to work well with your hands
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• active listening skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• maths knowledge
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to read English
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• administration skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Veterinary nurses support vets in the treatment and care of sick and injured animals.

As a veterinary nurse, you could:

• prepare animals for treatment and assist vets during procedures
• take X-rays, give injections and medication, and remove stitches
• care for in-patient animals
• keep the practice and equipment clean and hygienic
• talk to pet owners about treatment and care of their animals
• do reception and administrative duties

Location : You could work at a veterinary practice or at an animal welfare centre.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform and protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £20,000
Experienced : £31,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

35 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends on a rota

Career Path:

With experience, you could:

• work as a supervisor or mentor new staff
• manage a practice
• move to a larger veterinary hospital
• lecture in veterinary nursing science

You might also move into zoo or wildlife park work or sales of veterinary supplies.